How Would you Describe Your Prayer Life

[Michael]

Discussion Question 3

How would you diescribe your current prayer life?

[Michael]

I probably gave myself too much credit on this one, even after it's been a few weeks since I finished reading the book. I've always prayed, to some degree, but it's mostly turned into structured, rushed words that I think to myself before I go to bed at night, or in some cases when I get into a real bind and have no other option. I'd like to get to the point where it's the first option in everything I do, rather than as a last resort.

Michael

[Rattler]

I think many underestimate the power of prayer. If you pray, listen to God's teachings, and open your eyes, you will see that God answers prayers and sometime the answer is right in front of you. Sad to say that it took me losing my younger brother to draw closer to the Lord, but I pray and thank him everyday throughout the day. I have found that praying randomly throughout the day will make life a much smoother ride.

[happy bowhunter]

I pray every morning that my family and friends be kept safe throughout the day
Thank God for the answered prayers,ask him to heal those that need it and thank him for the life i have and ask him to forgive me of my many sins
All in all i still feel like i need to be closer with the lord
My daughter just gave me a book to read,it is the purpose driven life

[happy bowhunter]

Ooops forgot the most impotant thing i pray about every morning and that is for our military all over the world

[texag93]

I have found that praying randomly throughout the day will make life a much smoother ride.

I have to agree on that one.

[Cat]

My current prayer life is active! I can prayer anytime anywhere! No tools needed! Anytime anyone comes to me moaning and groaning I ask if they have prayed yet? Most will say they don't know how to pray so I tell them what I learned teaching VBS one year.

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you.

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the President, leaders in business and industry and administrators. These people share our nation and guide public opinion. They need God’s guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger; as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need our prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger; the smallest finger of all. Which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, “The last shall be the greatest among you. “Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself.”

By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

[Oneway]

In 1 Thess. 5:17 we are challenged by the apostle Paul to Pray with out ceasing! Holy Long Time Commitment Batman! I was challenged and convicted by the Holy Spirit about 12 years ago with this very verse, and it changed the way I pray, now if you know about Paul and his calling then there is a reason to take note of this special tip for our prayer lives. It is impossible for us to pray with out stopping, but it is not impossible for us to stop and pray for what God wants in our lives, to pray for our spouse first thing in the morning, to pray for our friends and family with our children in the mornings before we head out the door. To pray for someone who crosses your mind during the day, to pray for those who lead our country, for those who lead our communitites, our churches, etc... You see prayer is about a communication with God, which He absolutely desires from us. God wants us to pray so that we can move even closer to Him.

[Rattler]

My daughter just gave me a book to read,it is the purpose driven life

Great read by Rick Warren!

[wassaw]

I pray a lot with silent thought- but, I was raised that it should be aloud and on bended knee. I find it easy to pray for others but feel out of place or disrespectful to pray for myself. I give ALOT of thanks and usually say those aloud. I fully believe that a Guardian Angel or Higher Power has save my tush many times. I do ask for guidance and the understanding to see it. Off track sorry.
I checked eating a bologna sandwich. I fully believe in the Power of Prayer, but until i learn to ask, accept or allow others to pray for me. then i have to believe I'm only standing in the corner with my safe sandwich.
I think when I clicked on Michael's initial thread asking about interest in this, I finally chose the correct understanding of some guidance i was given.

[dhays]

I pray Daily for family, friends, and my church, but often wait until things have gotten out of hand before I get serious in prayer. It is a shame we don't give everything to god in prayer, instead of trying to take care of things ourselves.

[Bobcat]

I answered C.
Took this to mean that I practiced it routinely, believed in it, but that for some reason I have not taken it to the next level by ...presenting all concerns...as a group of praying people on a regular basis...to God.

[DrBob]

There is an old testament story about a man who failed to ask God before he makes an important decision. I would like to say, that I pray for and about everything, because I know that is the right answer.

However, even though I may try to pray often, it is easy to begin to lean on my own understanding. It is then that the lord humbles me in some way so that I once again will remember that without him, I can do nothing. Sometimes I actually pray that when he teaches me, he will humble me GENTLY!

[Michael]

As a follow up to this question, what are some steps you can do to achieve the next level?

Michael

[Oneway]

Some things I have been trying to do 1.) At the end of each day taking an inventory and looking to see the times when I could prayed about something and did not. 2) Pray before and pray after 3.) This is the big one and I have fallen way short on this one lately, Praying for what God wants in my life instead of Praying for God to help me meet my schedule!